We present to the attention of the pious reader an adapted re-edition of the pre-revolutionary work of Archpriest Stefan Kashmensky (1817-1889) “A systematic set of teachings of the holy fathers of the Church about the human soul” (Vyatka, 1860-1865). In this fundamental work on Orthodox patristic anthropology and psychology, the author collects, systematizes and interprets more than 1900 quotations from the writings of 70 holy fathers and church writers. Rich and varied material helps the author to reveal from a church position such topics as the substantiality of the soul, its posthumous existence independent of the body in the perspective of the General Resurrection, the origin, structure and abilities of the soul, both on its own and in combination with the body, as well as its various natural and sinful manifestations.

The book will be of interest to both Orthodox and secular readers who are interested in issues of psychology, self-knowledge and in-depth understanding the meaning of human life.